Tangy Lemon Tofu Piccata is an easy entree that doesn't look or taste like it was easy to make. You can make the tofu in the oven or in the air fryer while you prepare the citrusy sauce.
When you first glance at the ingredients for this Tofu Piccata recipe, it is going to look like a LOT of things, but do not panic! If you look closely, you'll see that the total number of ingredients is totally manageable.
The sauce ingredients are exactly the same as the marinade, but it adds vegetable broth for volume, cornstarch to thicken, and capers for some extra zing.
You actually only need nine ingredients to make this recipe.
The cooking method is the same one that I use for my trusty Panko Tofu recipe. But you don't need an air fryer to make your Tofu Piccata. I have included oven directions, as well. You do you!
Preparing Your Tofu
You don't need to use an air fryer, but you do need to press your tofu well to enjoy this recipe at its best. I press my tofu using the EZ Tofu Press.
The EZ Tofu Press gets the water out of your tofu in 10-15 minutes. I'm impatient, so I usually press for 10 and have never had an issue.
Pressing the tofu is crucial, because getting that excess water out gives you a firmer texture and makes room for the tofu to drink up that tasty, citrusy Tofu Piccata marinade. Once your tofu is pressed and sliced, you toss it in the marinade, then let it sit for a bit to soak in those lovely flavors.
Coat your marinated tofu in panko breadcrumbs, and you are ready to bake or air fry that tofu!
While the tofu is cooking, make your sauce in the blender, then simmer the sauce briefly on the stovetop to thicken, and you're good to go.
Panko might seem like an odd choice for a piccata recipe, but hear me out, y'all. I wanted a coating that would give you a nice, satisfying crunch, since normally piccata is pan fried, not baked or air fried.
My original idea was to use Italian breadcrumbs, and you're certainly welcome to do that. I shifted to panko, though, because it is so hard to find vegan breadcrumbs at the store, and I didn't want you guys to have to make breadcrumbs from scratch.
It just felt like unnecessary steps, when the panko gives the texture you want, and the sauce and marinade for the Tofu Piccata are already so flavorful.
And - let's be real - this recipe is all about that SAUCE.
Serving Your Tofu Piccata
I like to dish this up over noodles with a side of steamed broccoli. You can prep and cook the noodles and broccoli while the tofu is marinating and cooking, so everything is ready at the same time. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
To serve your tofu, top with lemon rounds and a little bit of parsley for garnish, then add a couple of tablespoons of that lemony piccata sauce.
Lemon Tofu Piccata
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tofu
- 1 block extra firm tofu - pressed and cut into 8 rectangular cutlets
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - OR vegan breadcrumbs, if you can find them or want to make your own
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 teaspoons potato starch or cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons capers
To Serve
- 1 lemon sliced into rounds
Instructions
- If you're baking the tofu, preheat the oven to 425F. No need to preheat the air fryer.
Marinate the Tofu
- Combine all of the marinade ingredients in your blender or food processor. Puree until you have a pretty smooth mix. In a shallow bowl or on a large plate, cover the tofu with the marinade. Set aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes
Bread the Tofu
- Measure the vegan mayo into a shallow bowl and the panko in another shallow bowl. Dredge each tofu piece first in the mayo, then in the panko, making sure to get a nice, even coating.
Cook the Tofu
- For the Oven: Arrange the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for 20 more minutes.
- For the Air Fryer: Arrange the pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You may need to air fry these in two batches, if you can't fit all 8 cutlets in your basket in a single layer without overcrowding them - that will depend on the size of your basket. You can also use a rack, if you have one. Cook on 370 for 20 minutes, shaking the cutlets gently after 10 minutes, to prevent sticking. Repeat with the second batch, if needed.
Make the Lemon Piccata Sauce
- While the tofu cooks, combine all of the sauce ingredients except the capers in your blender or food processor. Puree until smooth, then stir in the capers.
- Pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens.
- To serve, spoon a couple of tablespoons of the sauce over the tofu and garnish with a lemon round and a parsley sprig.
Wendy
Delicious and a perfect air fryer recipe! Will make again and again!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Wendy! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Madeleine
I loved this! So delicious and flavorful! We served it with spaghetti and marinara and a side salad dressed in red wine vinaigrette. The only thing I would change next time is measuring out half the amount of vegan mayo—I had way too much left over.
Becky Striepe
That sounds like a delightful meal, Maeleine! Thank you for coming back to share your experience!
Anonymous
Made this last night with mash potatoes and sautéed spinach. We didn’t take any pictures because we devoured it so quickly. Thanks for the great recipe ?
Becky Striepe
You are so welcome! I bet it was awesome over mashed potatoes - I'll have to do that next time!
OhTriGoodness
The recipe turned out fantastic! Thanks! I'll be making this way to often.
Becky Striepe
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Sarah De la Cruz
Ah, you know how much I love tofu! And that caper sauce looks amazing!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Sarah! Tofu lovers, unite!
Chrissy
This looks delicious! Should the parsley be fresh or dried?
Becky Striepe
Definitely fresh!
Katie Koteen
Ohhh how I've missed that tangy piccata sauce. I can't wait to make this!!!
Becky Striepe
Yay! Enjoy, Katie!
Ashley Nicole
Love this simple recipe! I bet kids will love them too. Healthy, tasty, and easy to prepare. A must-try!
Mary Ellen | VNutrition
I have everything but the capers! I need to get to the store to get them so I can try this ASAP. I haven't been this excited to try a dish in a while!
Becky Striepe
Oh yay! Enjoy it, Mary Ellen!
Sarah McMinn
OMG, this looks incredible! Gonna try this weekend.
Becky Striepe
Hooray!
Dianne
I love just about anything piccata! I love how easy this is. And it's so perfect for Valentine's Day!
Becky Striepe
Hooray! Enjoy!